Key Player: Columbus has been sturdy on defense and it is thanks in no small part to the addition of Michael Parkhurst at center back. The U.S. National Team defender has paid immediate dividends with the Crew, as Columbus has allowed just one goal through two matches. The 2007 MLS Defender of the Year is able to make his presence felt without committing fouls, a rarity in that role.

Notes: The Sounders have partnered with American Red Cross to collect donations at Saturday’s match for disaster relief efforts like the Oso Mudslide. Volunteers from American Red Cross will be collecting donations at various gates, along Occidental Avenue and throughout the stadium and fans can also donate online at www.redcross.org or by texting “REDCROSS” to 90999 to make a $10 donation. In addition, the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation and Hanauer Family Foundation will match donations up to $15,000...Sounders FC forward Clint Dempsey will serve the second match of a two-game suspension levied by the MLS Disciplinary Committee. He will be eligible to return April 4 against the Portland Timbers...Two of Sounders FC’s four hat tricks have come against the Crew, with Blaise Nkufo scoring three goals in a 4-0 win in 2010 and Lamar Neagle doing the same in a 6-2 win in 2011...This will be Seattle’s last home match until April 26, when Sounders FC hosts the Colorado Rapids. The next three matches are on the road against the Portland Timbers, FC Dallas and Chivas USA...Columbus forward Federico Higuain is the only player in MLS with at least 15 goals and 15 assists since he joined the league in August of 2012. He has 18 goals and 17 assists in 44 matches in that time.